The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, shifting dates for the presidential and governorship polls in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.
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In a statement issued on Thursday, and signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission said the adjustment followed the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the introduction of new statutory timelines.
“The Commission had earlier fixed Saturday, 20th February 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections.
“Following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026… the Commission has reviewed and realigned the Schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework,” Haruna noted.
Gov Polls Now Feb 6
According to the revised timetable, the presidential and National Assembly elections will now be held on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2027.
Party Primaries
The Commission also outlined key milestones leading up to the polls.
Party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026.
Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly candidates will begin on August 19, 2026, while governorship and state assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026.
“As provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before Election Day. Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines. The Commission will enforce compliance with the law,” Haruna stated.
INEC added that the revised timetable was consistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026, and had been published on its official platforms.
Osun Poll
The Commission also announced a minor adjustment to the Osun State governorship election, moving it from August 8 to August 15, 2026.
It noted that while some activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted, all remaining processes would strictly follow the new Electoral Act.
Haruna emphasised that the success of the elections would depend on collective effort.
“The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility. The Commission calls on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people,” he stated.
The change came 13 days after the electoral umpire first announced dates for the general elections on February 13, 2026.
But the decision was faulted by many Nigerians, including politicians, who pointed out that the dates coincided with Ramadan, a period of fast for Muslim faithful.
The new dates also came eight days after President Bola Tinubu signed the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026 into law, following the passage of the bill by the National Assembly after months of deliberations.
The shift in dates marks one of the earliest major administrative consequences of the new electoral framework ahead of 2027.
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